Crime & Safety

Murrieta Woman Crashes Car into Tree off Ortega, Dies

The fatal collision has temporarily shut down the westbound lanes of Ortega Highway,

Originally posted at 9:31 a.m. May 19, 2104. Edited with new details.

A 68-year-old Murrieta woman was killed today when the car she was driving slammed into a tree along Ortega (74) Highway.

The Orange County Coroner's office identified the victim as Kristina Halliday.

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She was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash near Gibby Road, east of the San Juan Capistrano limits. The accident was reported at 7:57 a.m., according to a California Highway Patrol dispatcher.

Authorities temporarily closed the westbound lanes of Ortega Highway while the accident was being investigated.

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--City News Service

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